A perfect fit for principal and school

Wednesday

Aug 29, 2007 at 12:01 AMAug 29, 2007 at 11:02 PM

When the Dolbeare School sought to replace principal Patricia Barrett when she announced her intention to work in the Andover district, the search was not an easy one — and the town couldn’t find a suitable candidate during the initially allotted time.

Gary Band

When the Dolbeare School sought to replace principal Patricia Barrett when she announced her intention to work in the Andover district, the search was not an easy one — and the town couldn’t find a suitable candidate during the initially allotted time. But then, later than all might have liked, Phyllis Dubina submitted her application and a match was made.

Starting just two weeks ago, the Ipswich resident has had an unusually short amount of time to familiarize herself with the school and is working overtime to fill vacancies and meet with the necessary people.

However, with her extensive experience as a teacher and administrator, an easygoing manner and a passion for learning, when school begins next Wednesday she and the Dolbeare will be ready for the nearly 500 pre-kindergarten through fourth grade students in their charge.

A teacher for 11 years in Winthrop and Chelsea, Dubina served for the past 10 years working with principals as coordinator of curriculum for the Somerville public schools. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from Salem State College and an undergraduate degree from UMass-Boston.

“I always wanted to do the work of principal,” Dubina said in her new office. “It’s a much more direct way to reach the students, make a difference with the teachers and staff and be part of a team.”

Saying the school community and the interview committee drew her in with their warmth and excitement, Dubina said accepting their offer was an easy decision. “I’m so lucky to have been hired in this community. It was meant to be. I feel like I’ve come home.”

Brought out of the classroom and into a leadership position by a former principal herself, Dubina said she is passionate about education and eager to work in partnership with the teachers. “I love to work with others and welcome the chance to hear new ideas.”

She said her first priority is to get to know the staff and students. “The school culture already exists,” she said. “It is a caring environment and I will continue to promote what the former principal established.”

Saying she will always be a teacher first, Dubina said she is most interested and passionate about promoting student learning and achievement. “The art of teaching is the most difficult craft and a I truly intend to support the teachers in every possible way,” she said.

Regarding the MCAS tests, she said because Wakefield students do so well, it will be a challenge to improve them. “There’s a strong academic background here, but we can always do better raising the bar for all students.”

On her role as principal, she said the position has changed over the years from one of manager to institutional leader. “Where teachers once only took direction, they are now part of the process and have a voice as colleagues,” she said. “That’s today’s culture and that’s how it should be.”